Aviation Accident Summary LAX92LA290

WARNER SPRINGS, CA, USA

Aircraft #1

N3705

WHIGHAM GW-4

Analysis

WHILE FLYING OVER MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN, 7 MILES NORTH OF THE GLIDERPORT, THE GLIDER FLIGHT ENCOUNTERED STRONG DOWN DRAFTS. THE PILOT IMMEDIATELY RETURNED TOWARDS THE GLIDERPORT, BUT ENCOUNTERED STRONGER DOWNDRAFTS AND WAS UNABLE TO CLEAR THE RIDGE. THERE IS NO RECORD THAT THE PILOT OBTAINED A WEATHER BRIEFING BEFORE DEPARTING ON THE ACCIDENT FLIGHT.

Probable Cause and Findings

THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT PLANNING AND PREPARATION. CONTRIBUTING TO THIS ACCIDENT WAS THE DOWNDRAFTS AND MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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